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Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:I have red in my eye from what may be a popped vessel and am experiencing some pressure there that goes away and comes back. Is this a major problem?

Answer:You most likely have a spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage. That means that a small blood vessel beneath the moist outer layer of tissue—the conjunctiva—has broken or leaked. This is common and almost always of no serious consequence. If it is recurrent, you may want to seek a full exam by your ophthalmologist, but even then, he/she will likely tell you that it is not serious. However, the pressure you describe is not a symptom associated with spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhages. The hemorrhages are generally painless. With so little information about the pressure you are experiencing, I have no answer for you but I suspect that is not related to the blood vessel leakage. Consult your ophthalmologist if this persists.